Over the years, penalty kicks have provided the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Nations have cried with despair or joy as their teams have hoisted trophies as a result of one penalty kick, one miss, or one goal as it flies past the keeper. Grown men have collapsed on the field after a miss, a save or a piece of misfortune, standing 12 yards from the goal, thousands of fans feeling the same pain. I wrote about the meaning of penalty kicks, here.

Installed Render of The Perfect Penalty Kick - small gap in upper right hand corner

Taking a penalty kick is very much like living life. You have to take risks, you face potential humiliation or failure, you intend success. And during this entire process it’s testing, emotional, and filled with opportunities to grow. It can define you.

The Original Sketch of The Perfect Penalty Kick

The Perfect Penalty Kick pays homage to the cruelty and ecstasy of this test. It provides a glimpse of what has occurred in the past (309 soccer balls to be exact), but it presents a clear path; a small, open section of the goal in the upper corner – the future.

The future, is essentially defining the perfect penalty kick – it’s in the top corner, to the goal keepers left (most are right handed), and the farthest spot from the ground-center. To make this shot requires incredible accuracy, confidence and audacity.

Final Render of The Perfect Penalty Kick

It’s a risk.

This installation speaks for itself in that regard. But it’s also a test, to all potential challengers. It’s an open test to everyone and asks a simple question.

Can you score the perfect penalty kick?

This installation is participatory. Soccer fans will have the chance of achieving penalty kick perfection. It’s a challenge, it’s fun, and it will be incredibly rewarding (or frustrating).

All you need is a soccer ball, some cheekiness and good aim.

Renderings and video courtesy of Michele Jasper.

I'm an England fan

And now it’s the 2010 World Cup and I’m still hopeful. England can win the World Cup. One of my wishes, is to see England win the World Cup before I die. It will be my son’s first World Cup too. He’s an England fan. The tournament is every four years, which leaves a lot of down time. I like to read. About soccer. I also have some pics, here.

This post is prompted by the impending opening match and the arrival of two new books – Soccer and Philosophy by Ted Richards and A Beautiful Game by Tom Watt. I haven’t read them yet, but I can barely wait – especially A Beautiful Game – stunning photos and great players talking about how soccer has changed their lives. Wow.

A Beautiful Game

I read my fair share of soccer books, so here are my must reads for this summer’s World Cup.

Scoring at Half-Time – The Northern Irish Pele? You better believe it. One of the greatest players ever, that got tangled up in booze. Lots of it. A fascinating read.

The Miracle of Castel di Sangro – Throw an American journalist into Italy, with a lower league team facing tough competition, political pressure, tragedy and great Italian drama. One of the first books I read within the soccer world. Any my friend Meggie wrote a great review, here.

Garrincha: The Triumph & Tragedy of Brazil’s Forgotten Football Hero – I’m a big fan of the show Intervention. And this book is so similar. This poor man was a train wreck. Lost his virginity to a goat, played for Brazil, and drank practically his entire life. BUT – watch video of him on YouTube. Amazing.

As I type, I realize I have other books I love. Robbie Fowler’s book is hilarious. Bobby Charlton’s book about his Manchester United career is inspiring and moving. Tony Adams wrote one of the most honest auto-biography’s ever. Steve McManaman’s recap of his Real Madrid time is incredibly thoughtful and engaging. There’s a theme here. The best books are honest. They’re not emerging or mid-career books. They’re well planned, well designed and have a clear message. It sounds simple, but there are LOTS of terrible soccer books out there. Take my word for it, or do some online research – fans will let you know.

I’m building up quite a library. Maybe I’ll write something, one day.

What are some of your picks?

Dead Clown

I’ve started several Flickr groups over the past few years. I’ll be highlighting them over time, but today I wanted to focus on the one I started for the Indianapolis International Airport. You can view it in all it’s glory, HERE.

Thanks to Flickr user HOK Network

Indianapolis now has a world class airport. Truly world class. And if you want to learn more about it, I suggest you read this series of posts by Indianapolis blogger and urban contemplator, The Urbanophile. Even if you’re not into airport commentary, read any of his other posts, Indy is lucky to have him.

I’m not proud of the new George Lucas Oil stadium. I’m not that fond of Conseco Fieldhouse. BUT, I am a huge fan of the new airport. The new airport might be the single, most important project this city has ever done. In my opinion, it has made Indianapolis a city. I had the opportunity to tour the new airport prior to its opening and I remember thinking a good tag line for a marketing campaign, could be: “The New Indianapolis Airport: You don’t have to move anymore.” And I’ll bet anyone a beer, it helped Indianapolis in it’s successful bid to become a potential World Cup venue.

So I’m asking you to join my sense of pride. Join the Indianapolis International (flights to Cancun and Toronto) Airport Flickr group. Travel, enjoy free wifi, rest assured your baggage will make it and take pictures!  I know I will.

The baggage nerve center